UF Business Library: Writing AI Prompts: Step-by-Step: 5. Choose an Output Format

Step 5 — Choose an Output Format 📋

Tell the AI exactly how to present the answer: bullets, steps, table, JSON, email—your call.

🎯 What does “Choose an output format” mean?

After setting your goal, context, and constraints, tell the AI how to shape the result: bullets, numbered steps, table, outline, email, JSON, CSV, markdown, or a slide deck outline.

Bullets Numbered steps Table Outline/Headings Email/Letter Checklist JSON/CSV Markdown Slide deck

Quick rule: If you can picture the output, name it.

💡 Why it matters

Usability: Ready-to-use outputs (tables, emails, checklists) save reformatting time.
Clarity: Clear structure improves reading and skimming.
Automation: Machine-readable formats (JSON/CSV) plug into tools and workflows.

🔧 Before → After (specifying format)

From paragraph → bullets

Before: “Summarize this article.”

After: Summarize the article in 6 bullet points with one key takeaway at the end.

From generic → table

Before: “Compare Zotero and EndNote.”

After:

Create a 2-column table comparing Zotero vs EndNote (free web). Rows: cost, storage, collaboration, word processor support, learning curve, best for.

From list → JSON

Before: “Give library databases for marketing.”

After: Return JSON with fields: name, type, bestFor, accessURL, note for 6 marketing databases.

From vague → email

Before: “Write to a professor.”

After:

Draft a polite email to Prof. [Name] requesting a 15-minute meeting about [topic]. Keep to 120–150 words, include 2 time options.

✍️ Mini exercises (2 minutes)

Pick the format that matches your use (read, present, import to a tool).
Add format-specific details (rows/columns for tables, fields for JSON, sections for emails).
Run the prompt, then request one tweak (add a column, rename a field, shorten subject line).

Template: [Task] in [format] with [format-specific details].

🧩 Format templates you can paste

Bullets

Explain [concept] in 5 bullet points for [audience], ending with one key takeaway.

Numbered steps

Give step-by-step instructions (7 steps) to [task], each step 1–2 sentences.

Table (Markdown)

Create a 3-column markdown table: Feature | Zotero | EndNote (web). Include 5 rows and a final “Verdict” row.

Email

Draft a professional email to [audience] about [topic] (120–150 words) with a clear subject and call to action.

Checklist

Create a checklist for [process] with 10 items, each starting with an action verb.

Slide outline

Outline a 6-slide deck on [topic]: slide titles + 3 bullets each, plus a 1-line opener.

JSON

Return JSON array of 5 items with fields: title, summary, sourceType, url.

CSV

Return CSV with headers: Title, Author, Year, Link. Include 8 rows about [topic].

⚠️ Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

Unspecified format: “Summarize this.” → Fix: Summarize in 6 bullets + 1 takeaway.

Too-generic tables: Missing columns/rows → Fix: Name them explicitly.

Machine formats without fields: “Return JSON.” → Fix: Specify the fields and types.

🚀 Copy-paste starters

Compare [A] vs [B] in a 2-column markdown table with 5 rows and a verdict.
Summarize this PDF as 8 bullets plus one limitation and one implication.
Draft a 130-word update email to [audience] with subject line options (3).
Return JSON with fields name, rationale, difficulty (1–5) for 6 research questions on [topic].
Create a slide outline (7 slides) with titles and 3 bullets per slide.

✅ Self-check (10 seconds)

Did I explicitly name the format (bullets/steps/table/email/JSON…)?
Did I include format-specific details (columns, fields, sections)?
Is the format aligned with my goal and audience?